Your Appointment

What to expect at your prosthetic scanning appointment.

Your first appointment

If this is your first appointment with a prosthetist, there are a few things you should prepare for in advance. Have your residual limb properly wrapped following the guide provided here. We will discuss your goals, needs and desires in your prosthetic rehabilitation. Make a list of activities you want to resume or begin. If you are ready to begin the prosthetic scanning process, we ask you to bring a pair of loose fitting shorts. You will be scanned using a laser scanner. This is a quick, non-invasive and pain-free procedure that will take precise measurements of your residual limb. From here, we will be able to make a socket for your prosthesis.

If you have previously had a prosthesis made by another prosthetist, please bring it to this appointment for a complete evaluation of your prosthetic care.

Your fitting appointment

For below knee patients, you will be fit with a soft silicone pad to protect and cushion your limb. We will show you how to properly put on and remove your prosthesis, how to care for it and how to identify any issues that require an appointment. Your socket will be aligned and changes will be made according to your comfort level. You will be asked to walk in your prosthesis to determine if there are any issues that need to be made within the office. For the next few days, we will ask you to call our office and report on your progress.

For above knee patients, this first appointment will be a diagnostic fitting. Measurements and adjustments will be made to this preliminary socket before your final socket can be made. At your final fitting appointment, you will be shown how to put on and remove your prosthesis, how to care for it and how to identify any issues that require an appointment. Your socket will be aligned and changes will made according to your comfort level. You will be asked to walk in your prosthesis to determine if there are any issues that need to made within the office. For the next few days, we will ask you to call our office and report on your progress.

Follow up and adjustments

From time to time, we will ask you to come in to evaluate the fit of your prosthesis. There are also times where you will need a prosthetic adjustment. This is completely normal, especially if this is your first prosthesis. Your limb’s volume (the size of your limb) will be shrinking rapidly within the first few months, and adjustments will be necessary to make sure that the socket is fitting you properly. Once the socket is no longer fitting optimally, it may be necessary to make you a new socket.

Over time, your prosthesis will experience wear and tear. We ask that you call our office if it is making any strange noises or feels loose. We also ask that you call if the socket is causing pain, pressure or redness, or if the components on the prosthesis are starting to wear out.

It is extremely important to maintain supplies in good order. Any liners or suspension sleeves that have holes should be replaced immediately. Prosthetic footshells can wear out over time and may require replacement.

Insurance

We are contracted with several insurance companies and are in the process of contracting more. Call our office to determine your benefits.